DELAWARE, Ohio -- Delaware County officials are trying to figure out how to deal with a major budget shortfall.
Sheriff Walter Davis is asking for $750,000 from the commissioners to pay for raises for his staff, NBC 4's Lauren Diedrich reported.
For years, union members of the sheriff's office have been allotted several types of increases in varying amounts, depending on the year, and they are still contractually obligated to receive those raises.
In December, the sheriff's office was given a budget that did not include money for those raises. Davis said he knew in December that a nearly $3 million decrease in his budget would cause a problem. After months of trying to adjust, he said, the problem is becoming more obvious.
Davis said he would try to reallocate money in his department. But now, months later, he said there is no more money to move around and still pay the bills.
The commissioners said they're trying to find money in the budget to clear up the issue.
"We will address this. We will have to work through the problem," said Delaware County Commissioner Todd Hanks.
"Why is this bring discussed several months later?" Diedrich asked.
"Well, I think it's because the budget has become such a shortfall issue," Hanks said.
Hanks said even as the former county auditor, no one saw how tough times would get.
Davis said he is looking for ways to fill the budget hole, by cutting training, fuel usage and looking for grants.
He said that at this time, there are no plans for layoffs.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement